Brief church history of Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church and the Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery:
Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church dates back to l887 when a group of Methodist missionaries organized the first Black Methodist Church in Bunkie, Louisiana. Marshall Methodist Episcopal Church was the original name of the church and the Rev. N. Randolph was the first appointed minister.
The church was located at that time in the vicinity of the present west end of Lexington Avenue and Pershing Avenue (La. Hwy. 29) on the west side of Bunkie. Marshall Methodist Episcopal Church located a cemetery near the church.
The church was remodeled in l9l8 with the Rev. R. F. Long as Pastor. The District Superintendent was Rev. J. A. Turner and the Bishop was W. P. Thurkied.
Between l9l8 and l924, Marshall Methodist Episcopal Church was moved and rebuilt on land located on the east side of Bunkie. The location was on the corner of Ebony and Chestnut Streets. The church served as a leading religious institution to the east side of Bunkie serving a large and active membership. The Marshall Methodist Episcopal Church Cemetery remained on the property located in the vicinity of the present Lexington Avenue and Pershing Avenue on the west side of Bunkie.
In l939, as a result of the union of three national denominations: The Methodist Episcopal Church; The Methodist Episcopal Church South; and the Methodist Protestant Church; the Marshall Methodist Episcopal Church's name was changed to Marshall Chapel Methodist Church.
When the action of the General Conference in l968 united the Methodist Church and the Evangelical United Brethern Church, Marshall Chapel's name was again changed. The name Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church was adopted. In l97l, the United Methodist Church merged, becoming inclusive.
In l990, Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church was closed and its remaining members became a part of Trinity United Methodist Church located on the corner of Ash and Sycamore Streets on the east side of Bunkie.
Trinity United Methodist Church accepted ownership of the Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery.
This cemetery is located directly across the bayou from Pythian Cemetery.
The following names are people who according to research are buried in Marshall Chapel United Methodist Church Cemetery, but were buried underground and no markings of the plots can be located.
The following names are recognized in honor of these forgotten people:
Fannie Baldwin,
Hamp Chaney,
Maggie Chaney,
Bud Collins,
Stella Collins,
Louise Drew,
America Garner,
Charlie Garrison,
Cora Garrison,
Sye Garrison,
Lou Della Hamilton,
Mary Kaufman,
Floyd LaDay,
Lucille Lavain,
Alveda Moore,
Charlie Morris,
Marica Pearce,
Sam Pearce,
Cora Thomas,
Clarise Watson,
Sastain Watson.
We wish to thank Mrs. Alice Holland and Mrs. Anne Plaisance for their sincere interest and work in including Marshall Chapel United Methodist Cemetery in this cemetery book.

Compiled by Leon Holts, Jr. and Muriel K. Glenn - December 2006